. >> reporter: an election only 35 days away but still far from over. and the first debate is on the domestic issues that are defining this election. lynn? >> all right, brian, thanks. >>> elsewhere, the candidates for the u.s. senate in massachusetts, scott brown and elizabeth warren, debated for the second time last night. the two were combative as they staked out opposite positions on issues ranging from job creation to bringing home troops from afghanistan. nbc's david gregory of "meet the press" was the moderator, and they also clashed over brown's claim of partisan independence. >> if he is re-elected, that increases the odds that the republicans will control the senate and that he can block president obama's agenda. >> if you're going to comment on my record, i would at least have you refer to it -- >> can we -- >> excuse me, excuse me. >> go ahead, senator. >> excuse me, i'm not a student in your classroom. please let me respond. thank you. >> recent polls before the debate showed elizabeth warren with a small lead over scott brown. >>> and last